---
title: "By Giving Others Hope I strengthen my own optimism: Dr Peter Macmillan"
description: Dr Peter Macmillan believes by being optimistic and giving others hope, I strengthen my own optimism.
---

[Centre for Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog)

# [By Giving Others Hope I strengthen my own optimism: Dr Peter Macmillan](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/drpetermacmillan)

 Written by [Victor Perton](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/author/victor-perton) | Jan 9, 2023 1:04:34 AM

"I'm optimistic because I have seen people's lives improve even when they had lost hope."

That's what  Lawyer & Notary Public Peter Macmillan [shared in answer to the question, "What makes you Optimistic?"](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7017951325409742848?commentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Acomment%3A%28activity%3A7017951325409742848%2C7017979207733452800%29&dashCommentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_comment%3A%287017979207733452800%2Curn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7017951325409742848%29)

Peter told us,  "The key for me is focusing on the needs of others. This can nurture both a feeling of empathy and - drawing on my 50+ years of experience - a sense of deep purpose as I discover what I can do to help another person achieve their goals. It's a pretty old philosophy: Putting others first. There's a reason for that. It's through "dying to self" that we give life to others. Like a seed that's planted and then dies in the ground, it is through its death that the life of the plant can begin. I'm optimistic because I have seen people's lives improve even when they had lost hope. By being optimistic and giving them hope, I strengthen my own optimism, which is proven again and again to be one of the most valuable gifts I can offer to others."

 

[View full post](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/drpetermacmillan)

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